Guardian Direct's $10-15 Mil. Account Is on the Block NEW YORK--Guardian Direct, a British company that offers auto insurance by telephone, is conducting a review for its estimated $10-15 million U.S. ad account, sources said.

Sources said Guardian's New York office had contacted a handful of shops, including DiMassimo; Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners; and Angotti, Thomas, Hedge, all in New York. Neither the client nor the agencies could be reached for comment. Initial capabilities presentations were held in June. A decision is expected in August. The corporate image assignment requires a full-service agency. The company plans to begin operations in 10 Midwestern and Western states. This review comes after a search by British competitor Response Insurance, which will launch in the U.S. in August. --staff reports

Sources said Guardian's New York office had contacted a handful of shops, including DiMassimo; Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners; and Angotti, Thomas, Hedge, all in New York. Neither the client nor the agencies could be reached for comment. Initial capabilities presentations were held in June. A decision is expected in August. The corporate image assignment requires a full-service agency. The company plans to begin operations in 10 Midwestern and Western states. This review comes after a search by British competitor Response Insurance, which will launch in the U.S. in August. --staff reports